Solenoid mechanism



June 21, 1938. c. G. KRONMILLER SOLENOID MECHANISM Filed Nov. 5, 1934 gwuentoz Carl G. Kronmiller Patented June 21, 1938 PATENT OFFICE somnom MECHANISM Carl G. Kronmiller, Minneapolis, Minn., assignor to Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company, Minneapolis, Min, a. corporation of Delaware Application November 3, 1934, Serial No. 751,430

8 Claims.

This invention relates to solenoid mechanisms and particularly to solenoid mechanisms that are operated by alternating current.

Solenoid mechanisms operated by alternating current are old in the art." However, due to the use of alternating current, they hum and vibrate when energized because of the irregular holding force of alternating current which force varies from a maximum to a zero value. These hums and vibrations caused by the vibration of movable parts against stationary parts cause unpleasant noises which are extremely detrimental,

" terns where quietness is essential.

particularly when such mechanisms are solenoid valves which are used in domestic heating sys- To remedy this, the movable elements of such mechanisms have been operated against positive stops and held thereagainst by means of shading coils. This effectively corrected the burns and vibrations and unpleasant noises but caused a new and further disadvantage, that of sticking of the movable element against the positive stops.

It is therefore the prime object of this invention to provide a quiet solenoid mechanism operated by alternating current which will not hum or vibrate and which will not become stuck in its shifted positions.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a solenoid mechanism, having a stationary core and a movable coil cooperating therewith to operate a movable element, said movable coil moving in a fixed path and out of contact with stationary stops.

A further object is to provide a novel pivot means for a movable coil for operating an element to insure quietness of operation.

A still further object is to provide an actuated element and switching mechanism that are both operated by a movable coil upon energization thereof.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying description and drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view through the preferred form of my invention,

Fig. 2 is an elevational view looking from the right in Fig. 1 with the cover shown in section and the electrical control means diagrammati Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of another form of my invention.

While my invention resides in a solenoid mechanism of general application, the mechanism is particularly applicable to the solenoid valve art. The device is accordingly shown and described in. connection with this application.

Referring to Fig. 1, a valve body is shown at It, having inlet and outlet openings H and i2. The inlet opening II is connected by means of a vertical passage l3'to a valve chamber H and the. valve chamber it is connected to the outlet passage l2 by means of another vertically extending passage lb. The upper end of passage it,

where it extends into the chamber ll, forms a valve seat indicated at 18. I8 designates an annular plate whlchis clamped to the valve body ill by means oi! a cap I'I being screwed on valve body l0. l9 designates a supporting member which is riveted to the annular plate 18 by means of rivets 20. A diaphragm 2| is clamped between the supporting member l9 and. a base member 22 by means of screws 23.

designates a valve stem extending through i the plate l8 and the supporting member l9 whlchis tapered at the lower portion thereof to form. a valve 26 to cooperate with the valve seat l8 and which has an annular flange adjacent the upper portion thereof and an extension 32 extending upwardly therefrom. The extension 32 is screw-threaded into a-sleeve 28 extending through the base 22 which has a flange at the lower portion thereof. The diaphragm 2l' is clamped between this flange of sleeve 24 and the flange of the valve stem 25 to form a seal for the valve chamber. The valve is guided at its lower end by means of the annular plate I8. Sleeve 24 is provided at its upper end with spaced upper and lower flanges 21 and 28 by means of which the valve is opened and closed.

29 designates a supporting member, preterably made. of brass or other non-magnetic material, having an upwardly extending flange 30 and an inwardly extending flange 3| which receives the extension 32 of the valve stem 25 to provide an upper guiding means for the valve. Secured to the upper end of the upwardly extending flange 30 by means of a brass screw 33 and spaced by meansoi brass washers 34 and a brass spacer member 35 is an iron core 38.

The supporting member 29 is also provided with upwardly extending flanges 31 to which are secured metallic strips or reeds 38 by means of screws 39 and plates 40. 4| designates a lever which is secured to the reeds or strips "32 ,by;

means of screws 42 and plates 45. This reed or strip construction forms a quietly acting pivot for the.lever 4| since the looseness offered by the conventional pivot constructions is hereby avoided.

The upper end of the lever 4| is provided with a hole 44 adapted to encircle the iron core 36. Mounted adjacent to this hole 44 on the upper end of the lever 4| is an electric coil 45 which is held in place by a casing 45 which is secured to the lever 4| by means of bent over fingers 41 cooperating with notches 45 in the lever 4|.

The lever 4| has a laterally extending arm 45 which is notched out to receive the sleeve 24 and provided with inwardly extending abutments 55 that engage between the upper and lower flanges 21 and of the sleeve 24.

From this construction, when the coil 45 is energized, the lever 4| is oscillated about its pivot 25 in a clockwise direction and the abutments 55 engage the flange 21 of the sleeve 24 to raise the valve 25 from its seat l5. Upon counter-clockwise movement of the lever 4| about its pivot 55 caused by gravity upon deenergization of the coil 45, the abutment 55 engages the lower flange 25 01' the sleeve 24 to move the valve 25 to its seat l6. Energization of coil 45 creates a magnetic flux which cooperates with the stationary iron core 36 to attract the coil to the right from the position shown in Fig. 1. When the coil 45 is deenerglued, the weight of the coil causes counter-clockwise movement of the lever 4| because the coil is located to the left of pivot of the lever 4|.

Secured to the base 22 by means of screws 52 is a'terminal block 5|. Secured to the terminal block 5| by means of a binding post 55 is a resilient contact arm 52 having a contact 54 at its outer end. Secured to the lever 4| by means of screws 55 and nuts 55 is a contact arm 55, havinga contact 51 at its outer end. Upon energization of coil to move the lever 4| in a clockwise direction, the contacts 51 and 54 engage to complete a holding circuit which will be pointed out more clearly hereafter.

The coil 45 is connected by means or lead wires and 55' to binding posts 52 and 53 respectively located in the terminal block 5| and the contact arm 55 is electrically connected to the binding post 52 by means of a lead wire 6| connected between the screw 55 and the binding post 65.

The moving parts above described are all enclosed by means of a cover 54 which is suitably secured to the base 22. The cover 54 has an opening 55 in its side adjacent the terminal block 5| to accommodate lead wires leading from exterior points to the terminal block 5|.

Fig. 2 shows diagrammatically a suitable electrical means for energizing the coil 45 in response to changes in a condition such as temperature. However, the invention is not to be limited to the particular means shown for energizing the coil 45. Any suitable circuit may be employed.

Line wires are designated at 55 and 51 and are connected to the primary 55 of a step down transformer 55 which has a secondary '15.

A thermostat is designated at 1| and it is held in place by means oi a binding post 12. The thermostat has contacts 12 and 14 adjacent the lower end thereof which cooperate respectively with stationary contacts 15 and 15. The distance be tween the contacts 14 and 15 is less than the dis tance between the contacts 15 and 15.

One end of the secondary 15 of .the transformer 55 is connected by means of a wire 11 to the lower stationary contact 15 and the other end 0! the secondary 15 of the transformer 55 is connected by means of a wire 15 to the binding post 52. The binding post 55 is connected by means of a wire 19 to the binding post 12 orthe thermostat 1|. The binding post 62 is connected by means of a wire 55 to the upper stationary contact 15.

With the parts in the position shown in Fig. 2, the operation of the device is as follows: upon a rise in temperature, the contacts 13 and 14 are moved to the left but since the distance between the contacts 14 and 16 is less than the distance between the contacts 15 and 15, contact 14 will engage contact 16 first. Upon such an engagement a circuit is not completed because the contacts 54 and 51 are opened by reason of the fact that the lever 4| is maintained in a counterclockwise position by gravity. Upon a further slight rise in temperature, contact 15 engages contact 15 thereby completing a circuit from the secondary 15 of transformer 55 through wire 11, contacts 16 and 15, contacts 15 and 15, wire 55, binding post 63, coil lead wire 55', coil 45, coil lead wire 65, binding post 62 and wire 15 back to the secondary 10. Upon completion oi. such circuit, coil 45 is energized to create a magnetic flux which cooperates with the iron core 55 to move the lever 4| in a clockwise direction. When the lever 4| is so moved, contact 51 engages contact 54 thereby closing a second and holding circuit from secondary 15 of transformer 65 through wire 11, contacts 16 and 14, thermostat 1|, binding post 12, wire 19, binding post 55, contact arm 53, contact 54, contact 51, contact arm 55, wire 6|, binding post 63, coil lead wire 55', coil 45 coil lead wire 65, binding post 82 and wire 15 to the secondary 15 of the step down transformer 68. As long as the thermostat maintains contact 14 in engagement with contact 15, the coil 45 will remain energized to maintain the valve in the open position. When the temperature falls suificiently, contact between the contacts 14 and 15 is broken thereby deenergizing the coil 45 whereupon the lever 4| is moved in a counter-clockwise direction by force of gravity moving the valve 26 to its valve seat i5.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the valve casing I5 is the same as the valve casing of Fig. 1, having inlet and outlet openings H and I2 which communicate with a valve chamber 4 by means of passages i5 and I5 having a valve seat l5 located in the inner end of the passage i5. Clamped between the valve casing iii and the cap i1 is a diaphragm 55 and a support 55. The diaphragm is suitably secured to the valve stem 81 as at 85 to eflectively seal the valve chamber H. The valve stem is provided with a tapered portion to provide a valve 85 which coasts with the valve seat 6. Surrounding the valve stem 51 is a compression spring 89, one end 01' which abuts against the valve casing 15 and the other end of which abuts against the diaphragm 55 to urge the valve 85 away from its seat i 5. Secured to the support 55 by means of screws 52 is a casing 9|.

One of the screws 92 also supports a bracket 92 which pivotally supports, by means of a pivot pin 94, an arm 95 which has a, downwardly extemiing projection 96 that cooperates "with the valve stem 81. 'The outer end of the lever 55 is provided with an opening 51 and it supports a. coil 95 adjacent said opening 91. The coil 98 is held in place by means of a casing 99 which is secured to the lever 95 by means of fingers I55.

Secured to the casing 9| by means of a brass screw .13 and spaced therefrom by means of a brass washer I02 is an iron core iili adapted t protrude into the coil 98 and the opening9'l in clockwise direction by gravity to force the down-.

wardly extending projection 96 into engagement with the valve stem 81 to move the valve 55 against its seat l6.

Secured to a side wall of easing 9| is an insulating block I04 which carries contact arms 53 and 56, having contacts 54 and 51. Mounted on the pivot pin 94 is a cam Hi5 which cooperates with a. follower I06 of the contact arm 50, said cam I05 being rotated in synchronism with the lever 95. Contact arm 53 is connected to the binding post 55 by means of a wire I91 and the contact arm 56 is connected to the bindingpost 63 by means of a wire 6! and the coil 98 is connected to the binding posts 52 and 63 by lead Wires 99 and 69 respectively.

The electrical means for energizing the coil 95 is identical to the means illustrated in F18. 2 and therefore a complete description of the operation of this modification is not deemed necessary, it being sufllcient to say that upon energization of the coil 98' by engagement of contacts 14 and 16 and 13 and 15, the lever 95 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to open the valve and to rotate the cam 195 to cause engagement between contacts 54 and 51 which completes a second and holding circuit identical to that pointed out above.'

Fig. 4 illustrates a modified formof my invention and comprises exactly the same valve mechanism as disclosed in Fig. 3 and like reference characters have been used. However, in this modification, the valve is adapted for hori-- zontal connection, while in Fig. 3, the valve is adapted for vertical connection. A base H0 is secured to the annular plate 90 by means of screws Ill and one of these screws HI supports a vertical extending bracket H2 to which is pivoted by means of a pivot pin" III a lever H4. Lever H4 is provided with a downwardly extending abutment H5 which is in engagement with the valve stem 81. The outer end of the lever H4 is provided with an opening H5 and s'upports'a coil H1 adjacent this opening. The

coil H1 is secured to the lever .I H by means of a casing H8 clamped to the lever H4 by means a of inturned fingers H9. 7

Secured to the base H9 by means of a brass screw I22 and spaced therefrom by means of a" brass spacer IN is an iron core I29 protruding through the coil H1 and the opening H5 in the .lever H4. The moving parts above described are enclosed in a cover I29 which is suitably secured to the base H 0.

Upon energization of coil H1 in any suitable manner, lever H4 is moved in a clockwise direction about its pivot HI- to raise theproiection I Hi to permit the spring 89 to move the valve 89 away from its seat l8. Upon deenergization of coil H1, the lever H4 is moved in a counterclockwise direction by gravity to move the pro- :Iection H5 into engagement with the valve stem 81. to force the valve 55 against its seat it against the action of spring 99. y

In the modification shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the coil is energized by alternating current to raise the same against gravity. Since the holda steady gravitational pull on the coils, the coils If the pivots will vibrate a very slight amount. 94 and H3 of the levers 95 and H4 were loose, a vibrating and chattering noise would occur at these points by reason 01' the vibration of cells 99 and H1. However, springs 89 act in opposition to the gravitational force and maintain the levers 95 and III, the pivots 94' and H3 and the brackets 93 and H2 in close fitting and snug rel'a tion, thereby preventing .any clattering noise or vibration atthese points. Since the coil is not operated against any positive stop and since vi brationis prevented in the pivots. the operation of the solenoid mechanism is extremely quiet and there is no danger of its sticking in either of itsshifted positions.

In the preferred form of the invention iliua= trated in Figs. '1 and 2, it is noted that there is 2% i no spring acting against the action of gravity, therefore, in order to prevent noises at the pivot of the lever ll, a novel pivot for the lever it is provided as described above which comprises metal strips or reeds 39 whichare rigidly secured 25 to the base 29 and the lever 4|. this novel pivot construction,

By reason of vibration and detrimental noises will not occur at this pivot as would occur in the conventional pivot con structions. w

Also. in this construction, provision is made whereby the amount of vibration of coil 95, oonsequently oi the lever. ll. ismaterlally decreased g ving further improved performance. When.

the coil is in the position shown in Fig. 1, there 35 is a gravitational force actingthereon through an effective moment arm which-1s the horizontal d stance between the center of gravity of coil 45 and the pivot 38. .This moment is relatively large when the coil is in the position shown in m Fig. 1. However. upon energization of the coil 45. the coil is moved to the right whereupon the effective moment arm is decreased to a very small'value since thecenter of gravity of coil as is only sligh ly out of alignment with the t5 p vot 38. In th s way, the gravitat onal effort acting on he coil 45 to move the valve 29 to its clos d position is extremely small when the coil A5 is energized. Therefore. when the alternatinn current wh ch provides the magnetic holding not only made for providing a quiet solenoid w mechanism by the use of a novel pivot means, but the amount of vibration which is inherentin alternating solenoid mechanisms is substantiallyn reduced by the relative location of the moving parts. 65

From the above, it is seen that I have invented a quiet solenoid mechanism operated by alternating current which will not hum or cause det rimental noise and which will not become stuck in its shifted position. 70

'It is to be understood that while the invention is shown as appliedto a solenoid valve, the invention is not to be so limited. It is believed to be obvious .that the actuating mechanism is suit== able for operating not only .a valve but any ele 75 ment movable between first and second positions.

While several embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art and consequently, this invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device or the character described, an element, spring means urging said element toward one position, a lever operatively connected to said element, a pivot for said lever, a coil carried by said lever and adapted by reason of its weight to normally hold said element in a second.

position, a stationary core associated with said coil and adapted to cause movement of said coil to permit said spring to move said element into said first position upon'energizatlon of said coil. 2. In a device of the'character described, an element, spring means urging said element toward one position, a lever operatively connected to said element, a pivot for said lever, a coil carried by said lever and adapted by reason of its weight to normally hold said element in a second position, a stationary core associated with said coil and adapted to cause movement of said coil to permit said spring to move said element into said first position upon energization of said coil, said spring also serving to maintain said pivot tight.

3. In combination, an element to be actuated, and an electromagnetic actuator therefor comprising a pivoted lever associated with said element, an inclined stationary core, a coil mounted on said lever surrounding said core, said lever extending substantially.perpendicularly to said inclined core and connected to said element to be actuated in a manner such that the weight of the coil constantly exerts a moment on said lever tending to move said element in one direction, and means for directly energizing said coil so as to move said coil and said lever in a direction to move said element in the opposite direction and to'decrease said moment.

4. In combination, an element movable between first and second positions, a stationary core, a coil loosely surrounding said core and a pivoted lever carrying said coil and operatively connected to said element to urge said element to said first position by gravitational action throughout the range of movement of said element and adapted upon energization of said coil to move said element to said second position in opposition to and with a decrease in said gravitational action.

5. In a device of the character described, an element movable between first and second positions, a stationary core, a coil loosely surround- ;ing said core, a pivoted lever carrying said coil and operatively connected to said element to move the same between said first and second positions, said element being constantly urged in the direction of said first position by a moment acting on said lever throughout the range of movement of said element, said momentbeing less when said element is in its second position than when it is in its first position, and means to energize said coil to move said element to said second position in opposition to said moment.

, 6. In a device of the character described, an element movable between first and second positions, a stationary core, a coil loosely surrounding said core, a pivoted lever carrying said coil and operatively connected to said element to move the same between said first and second positions, the weight of said coil acting through a moment arm to constantly urge said element towards said first position throughout the range of movement of said element, said moment being less when said element is in its second position than when it is in its first position, and means to energize said coil to move said element to said second position in opposition to said moment.

'I. In combination, an element to be actuated and an electromagnetic actuator therefor comprising a pivoted lever associated with said element, an inclined stationary core, a coil mounted on said lever surrounding said core, said lever extending substantially perpendicularly to said inclined core and connected to said element to be actuated in a manner such that the weight of the coil constantly exerts a moment on said lever tending to move said element in one direction, said lever being so positioned with respect to said core that when said coil is deenergized the electromagnetic center thereof is below the electro- -magnetic center of said core, and means for directly energizing said coil to move said coil upwardly along said core and to rotate said lever in the direction of a vertical position whereby said element is moved in the opposite direction and said moment is decreased.

8. In combination, an element movable between first and second extreme positions, a stationary core, a coil having a cylindrical passage therethrough and directly electrically connected with means to energize the same, a pivotally mounted lever having a relatively flat apertured face remote from its point or pivotal movement and disposed perpendicularly to the plane of movement of the lever, a cup-shaped apertured member enclosing said coil and clamping the same against the fiat face of the lever with the apertures of said cup-shaped member and said lever aligned with the passage of said coil and with said core extending through said passage, an operative connection between said lever and said element eilective to cause said element normally to be held in said first position by the weight of the coil and to be moved from said first to said second position upon energization of said coil, the weight oi said coil being operative to move said element back to said first position upon deenergization oi said coil.

CARL G. KRONMILLER. 

